Laws Governing Driver Licenses WESTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL DRIVER EDUCATION NJ DMV CHAPTER 1 Laws Governing Driver Licenses

A motorist who operates a motor vehicle in the State of New Jersey must carry the following: valid driver license valid provisional license or a validated New Jersey permit. valid insurance vehicle registration cards.

A motorist with a validated New Jersey driver permit must be accompanied by an appropriately licensed driver.

A motorist who is a legal resident of New Jersey must be licensed in this state.

Change of address must be reported to the MVC within 1 week after moving. Name Change (marriage, divorce, adoption) must be reported to the MVC within 2 weeks.

A motorist with a valid out-of-state license who moves to New Jersey must apply for a New Jersey license within 60 days or before the current license expires, whichever is sooner. The out-of state license must be surrendered prior to receiving a New Jersey license.

Operators of commercial vehicles, such as large trucks, buses and vehicles that transport hazardous materials, must satisfy more stringent testing standards than the drivers of automobiles or motorcycles. These operators must still possess a valid, basic New Jersey driver license prior to applying for a CDL.

Individuals who have never had a driver license must complete the MVC’s Graduated Driver License (GDL) Program, which introduces driving privileges in phases with a period of supervised driving before getting a basic driver license. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-10, 39:3-13 through 39:3-13.8)

All applicants for a New Jersey driver license who are under 18 years of age must present a completed consent form signed by a parent or guardian. (N.J.S.A. 39:3-13 and 39:3-13.3)

GDL, special learner and examination permits are valid until all qualifications for a probationary license are met, or for two years, whichever occurs first. All others are valid for 90 days.

All applicants for a New Jersey driver license must provide: a full name current address Social Security number 6 Points of ID Verification and other documentation that verifies that their legal presence in the United States is authorized under federal law. Documents must be in English or have an approved translation.

Digital Driver License In 2004, New Jersey ceased the issuance of laminated paper licenses and implemented the use of the digital driver license (DDL). helps to eliminate the prevalence of fraud and abuse. The DDL includes nearly two dozen security features, including digital photographs and signature. Motorists under 21 years of age are issued a distinctive vertical-format DDL. Valid for four years.

Digital Driver License -continued Altering a driver license or showing an altered driver license may result in loss of a motorist’s driving privilege, a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. Getting a driver license illegally may result in a fine of up to $200 to $500 and/or imprisonment of 30 to 90 days

Restrictions If a motorist has a restriction on his/her license (such as the need to wear corrective lenses while driving), it will appear on the license in a coded form. Restrictions are as follows: • 1- Corrective lenses required • 2- Prosthetic device • 3- Mechanical device • 4- Hearing impaired • 5- Attached restrictions* * This category applies to special modifications to an applicant’s vehicle or limited driver privileges for a medical condition. The card detailing the attached restrictions must remain with the driver license.

Manuals may be obtained by calling (888) 486-3339 toll-free in New Jersey or (609) 292-6500 from out of state.

Basic Automobile License For all types of Class D motor vehicles registered by the MVC, except motorcycles. Expiration: 4 Years Minimum Age: 18 (Permit: 16) Permit Fee: $10 Photo License Fee: $24 Test's) Required: KVR 1

Probationary Automobile License . For all types of Class D motor vehicles registered by the MVC, except motorcycles. Expiration: 4 Years Minimum Age: 17 Permit Fee: $10 + $4 decal Photo License Fee: $6 Test's) Required: KVR 1

Commercial Driver License For large trucks, buses and vehicles (Classes A, B and C). Expiration: 4 Years Minimum Age: 18/21 Permit Fee: $35 Photo License Fee: $32 Test's) Required: CKVR

Motorcycle License For most vehicles with fewer than four wheels (Class E). Issued as a separate license or as an endorsement (M) if the individual already holds a basic New Jersey driver license. Expiration: 4 Years Minimum Age: 17 Permit Fee: $5 Photo License Fee: $24 or $18 Test's) Required: KVR

Probationary Motorcycle License For most vehicles with fewer than four wheels (Class E). Issued as a separate license or as an endorsement (M) if the individual already holds a basic New Jersey driver license. Expiration: 4 Years Minimum Age: 17 Permit Fee: $10 + $4 decal Photo License Fee: $6 Test's) Required: KVR

Moped License For unlicensed motorists 15 years of age and older. Not needed if operator has a Class A, B, C, D or E license. Expiration: 4 Years Minimum Age: 15 Permit Fee: $5 Photo License Fee: $6 Test's) Required: KVR

Agricultural License For farming purposes only. May be granted to persons between 16 and 17 years old. Expiration: 4 Years Minimum Age: 16 Permit Fee: $10 Photo License Fee: $6 Test's) Required: KVR

6 Point ID Verification All New Jersey driver license applicants must complete 6 Point ID Verification by presenting documents that prove their age, identity, and legal presence in the U.S. All applicants must prove identity through a prescribed combination of documents that includes: At least one primary document At least one secondary document At least six points of ID Proof of address

6 Point ID Verification cont. A non-citizen must submit proof of continued legal presence in the United States. The MVC may accept other documents proving identity, date of birth and continued legal presence. Documents must be provided in English.

Requirements: At Least One Primary Document At Least One Secondary Document documents must be worth 6 points or more Proof of Address Social Security Number

IMPORTANT INFORMATION If your current legal name is different from the name on your civil birth certificate (e.g., your maiden name), then you must show legal proof of the name change. Legal proof = Certified marriage or civil union certificate Divorce decree or court order linking the new name with a previous name U.S. passport is not proof of legal name change A divorce decree may be used as authority to resume using a previous name only if it contains the new name and the previous name and permits a return to use of the previous name.

All documents must be original or certified copies in English and have the required state and/or municipal seals. Certified copies of New Jersey records are available from the municipality that originally issued them and from the State Bureau of Vital Statistics.

Choosing Your ID Documents Use the chart on pages 13 – 15 in your driver’s manual to select your documents, or use the online Document Selector at : www.njmvc.gov/6point.

A multi-stage driver licensing system Graduated Driver License (GDL) A multi-stage driver licensing system

Purpose of the GDL Gradually introduces driving privileges to first-time drivers Extends practice driving time Requires a minimum age of 18 in order to receive an unrestricted, basic driver license. GDL restrictions placed upon first-time drivers must be strictly adhered to. Failure to do so may result in a fine of $100 or a possible suspension of a motorist’s driving privilege.

Driver License System Option A – The Early Bird Road Option B - The Young Adult Road Option C - The Adult Road

16 17 18 - 20 21 Yes No NA 6 months 3 months Probationary 1 year Early Bird Young Adult Adult Age for Permit 16 17 18 - 20 21 Guardian consent needed Yes No Commercial Driving school needed Pass Knowledge-Vision test Fee required Min. Age for Road Test (RT) NA Min. driving practice time for RT 6 months 3 months 1st License issued Probationary Unsupervised practice time for basic license 1 year Hour and passenger restrictions Exemptions for hour/passenger restrictions Employ/Religious

Special Learner Permit Restrictions (The Early Bird Road) No driving between 11:01 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. No using cell phones, hand-held video games or any other hand-held electronic devices. Permit holder must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver who is at least 21 years of age and who possesses a valid New Jersey driver license and has a minimum of 3 years’ driving experience. Passengers are limited to any parent, guardian or dependant of the special permit holder and one additional passenger. Permit holder and all passengers must all wear a seat belt. Must display decals on license plates.

Examination Permit Restrictions (Young Adult and Adult) No driving between 11:01 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. (20 yrs or younger) No using cell phones, hand-held video games or any other hand-held electronic devices. Permit holder must be accompanied in the front seat by an adult supervising driver who is at least 21 years of age and who possesses a valid New Jersey driver license and has a minimum of 3 years’ driving experience. Passengers are limited to dependants of the permit holder and one additional person, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. (20 yrs or younger) Permit holder and all passengers must wear seat belts. Must display decals on license plates.

Probationary Driver License Restrictions No driving between 11:01 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. (20 yrs or younger) No using hand-held or hands-free cell phones or any other electronic devices. Passengers are limited to dependants of the probationary license holder and one additional person, unless accompanied by a parent/guardian. (20 yrs or younger) Probationary license holder and all passengers must wear seat belts. Must display decals on license plates.

NOTE If the Examination Permit or Provisional License holder is 21 years of age or older, hour and passenger restrictions do not apply.

GDL Decal All GDL drivers under age 21, who possess a permit or probationary license, are required to display two visible, red reflective decals, distributed through the MVC on any vehicle that they operate. One decal is to be displayed on the top left corner of the rear license plate and the other on the top left corner of the front license plate. The two, removable, decals are provided to a driver at the time a permit is issued for a fee of $4. Additional decals are available for $4 per pair at any MVC agency. (39:3-13 and 39:3-13.4f)

GDL Driver Exemptions Exemptions to the hours rule for permit and provisional drivers under 21 years: Proof of a need to drive during the prohibited hours for employment and/or religion. must carry a legible certification to indicate this need from his/her employer or religious official on the official letterhead of the business, organization or religious institution, with the signature of the certifying official and his/her name, title, address and phone number. (N.J.A.C. 39:21-8.18)

NOTE If the student driver commits a traffic offense, responsibility will be with both the student and instructor or adult supervising driver.

NOTE All motorists who possess a provisional driver license, must visit an MVC agency to upgrade to a basic driver license after the end of those 12 months. Motorists who fail to do so will remain subject to the provisional driver license restrictions and could be cited by law enforcement for violating the restrictions.

A driver examination permit is required even if the motorist possesses a valid license from another state.

Examination Permits for Out-of-State Drivers All out-of-state drivers are required to purchase an examination permit within 60 days of becoming a permanent New Jersey resident or when his/her out-of-state license expires, whichever comes first. Out-of-state drivers who are under 18 years of age and move to New Jersey are subject to this state’s GDL Program. If they wish to apply for a New Jersey license, he/she should follow the steps outlined for special and examination permit holders. Out-of-state driver licenses must be surrendered when the MVC issues a New Jersey driver license.

Examination Permits for Out-of-Country Drivers A non-citizen must show formal proof that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has authorized his/her presence in this country under federal law. Students and their families on visas must show INS Form I-20, student identification cards or certification on school letterhead indicating status.

Note: Foreign drivers may use their native driver licenses as proof of driving experience if their countries are members of the United Nations Convention on Road Traffic and if the applicants have their licenses translated into English by a consulate or an MVC-approved translator. Note: Licenses from US Possessions and Territories are considered out-of-country.

Non-Driver ID An individual, 17 years of age or older, who does not possess a valid driver license may apply for a non-driver identification card. To obtain an identification card, the individual must show proof of age and provide 6 Points of ID Verification and proof that his/her presence in this country is authorized under federal law. The cost is $24. The non-driver ID must be surrendered if the individual applies for and receives a New Jersey driver license.

Hearing-Impaired Designation A special driver license for deaf or hearing-impaired motorists (41 dB loss or more) is provided by the MVC. To obtain this license, which is designated with the international symbol of the deaf or a numerical code, a motorist must complete an application, available at any MVC agency. Verification by a physician or audiologist is required.

Commercial Driver License (CDL) There are three classes of a commercial license; A, B, and C. However, no one can apply for these licenses until he/she is in possession of a valid basic Class D New Jersey driver license or he/she possesses a valid out-of-state CDL. Refer to your Driver’s Manual for further information.